Twisted Tree Players recently gave a delighted audience the first sampling of what is to come as they bring musical theatre to town.

Group members entertained at Gazebo Park in Blairmore during the Aug. 16 Crowsnest Community Market. Musical director Debbie Goldstein was joined by local singers Lisa Attaway, Jane Mollison, Mel Daviel and Ali Sandilands to perform five theatrical songs, accompanied by Wendell Kisner on guitar.

Musical theatre pieces included “One” from A Chorus Line, “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago and “Seasons of Love” from Rent. “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show was wild and rocking as audience members were pulled onstage to participate in this cult-classic song. The final song was “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz.

Group founder Debbie Goldstein is very active in the Crowsnest Pass music community, teaching a variety of instruments and specialty music programs in the schools. Last season she conducted both the local symphony and choir and she runs the Big Beat Ensemble, which varies from a trio to a big band.

For Canada’s 150th birthday she organized Music in the Mountains and next spring will collaborate to bring together Crowsnest Pass, Fernie and Cranbrook community choirs to put on a 100-voice concert.

Debbie has always loved to act, sing and dance and now wants to add theatre to her other musical activities.

“At this time the Twisted Tree Players will be very good amateur theatre, but we have professionals auditioning for us,” she says.

She envisions “the professional realm” as “a good future possibility.”

Lisa Attaway, assistant to the director, is credited with naming the group.

The women are recruiting anyone interested in musical theatre and offer a reminder that any production needs a host of people to help with staging, props and costumes, in addition to performers.

Auditions for the singing and acting parts for upcoming adaptive version performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show were held last week, but volunteers who don’t want to act but would like to be involved are encouraged to contact twistedtreeplayers@gmail.com.

The science-fiction horror-comedy is a Halloween favourite and performances will be held at the Polish Hall in Coleman on Nov. 2 and 3 as late-night shows. With the original movie playing on a big screen, the Twisted Tree Players will be popping onstage to act, sing and dance to nine of the songs.